This month’s TRAVEL has been quite the experience for me. Unlike many others, this is the first time I’ve booked a ticket less than a week before our scheduled flight. Oh, little did I know this is just the beginning of all the spontaneity I’d be facing this week!

BICOL has long since been my second home, where I spent countless summers shopping at the local mall, cooking for my relatives and yes of course, eating. But I wanted this time around to be different.

Spending too much time in the metropolis just, kills. I wasn’t a shriveled prune yet from all the hustle and bustle of the city, but my soul just wanted to feel alive again. Free of routines, free of rules and free of all the rushing. I sought to find peace, to find – something.

All set and packed with a last minute plane ticket, a pair of rubber shoes, a hand-drawn map of our itinerary and a head full of hopes, we boarded the plane and on to Legazpi we go!

A sketch of our itinerary (not drawn to scale)

Quitinday Hills, Camalig Albay

Upon reaching the hills, there was quite a drizzle causing the soil to be quite a challenge to walk on, especially this being an uphill climb. The weather wasn’t ideal (of course, this was expected travelling during low-season), but the view was spectacular nonetheless. The view was most beautiful upon reaching the first hill.

For the brief moments spent atop Quitinday Hills, I breathed more than just fresh air. Within me came an overwhelming sense of awe for all the beauty I didn’t know I’ve been missing out on for so long. Looking at the 360 degree embrace of nature, there was no better feeling but to know that there’s so much more just waiting to be seen.

Sumlang Lake, Camalig, Albay

After a quick lunch at one of the best places for PINANGAT (A native dish made from Gabi Leaves and Coconut Milk), we headed on to Sumlang Lake. Pleased that the rain stopped and Mt. Mayon finally came out to say hello.

I believe it’s just beautiful how the land and the sky meet to form such a sight.

Sumlang Lake

Cagsawa Ruins, Albay

We headed on towards the ever-so famous tourist destination in Bicol, the Cagsawa Ruins. Just imagine how much history this site holds!

From where I stand : CAGSAWA GROUNDS

Okay I guess I have to explain why the photo below was one of my favorites (aside from Mayon photobombing quite nicely).

Mayon ATV Experience

I am an introvert, shy, reserved and I often keep my opinions to myself (whether or not I believe it will win the argument). I was brought up that way, and I guess it came to mold the person I am now. I believe time is gold, and would never spare a second to be idle. I work from 7:30am to 8pm these days. Thus, I can be quite the control freak when it comes to planning, wanting everything ironed out, neat, tidy and on-the-dot. Sometimes I can shift from happy to angry in a snap, yes, the little things can unsettle me in ways. I am uptight, never bending my own rules and being an INFJ – I’m a downright walking contradiction. (Read more about personality traits here: INFJ PERSONALITY)

I started out scared as hell as I’ve never been lucky when it comes to vehicles (I crashed a car once, and it’s traumatizing). But ten minutes later, I revved up the engine wanting to go faster! (P.S. I was trying so hard not to overtake our guide).

Kidding aside, this short trip made me find myself. By “finding oneself” I mean to say: to know oneself better, to find one’s strengths and weaknesses and to love oneself a little more. This was the first time in a long time when I actually let loose and go wild.

I knew this trip was definitely unlike any other. With no final schedules of our own, driving on unknown roads, battling the moody weather and facing full uncertainty, it added to the thrill of what the journey brings.

Vera Falls, Malinao, Albay

The journey to Vera Falls was quite an adventure! The road reached a dead end, where the bridges were destroyed by the recent floods in Malinao. The locals were so kind to volunteer to get us to Vera Falls. I felt a rush of excitement as we hitched a ride with them on their motorbike up the lofty hills and through the quiet town.

The rapids.

It took less than thirty minutes to reach the falls, and behold the roar of the water came to welcome us to one of the hidden gems in Bicol.

You know when you’re happy, when it’s not your lips that do the smiling, but your heart. Being happy is rare for me, but that’s what I felt as I sat there. Enjoying a dip in the cool water, smelling the freshness of nature, listening to the joyful chirping of the birds, and watching the violent cascade of the water.

Nature truly holds a cure for the city-living, it heals all the senses and revitalizes the mind. It shows us how simple life should be, and how difficult we all choose to make it.

In this Bicol adventure, I found a piece of myself. One where I learned to embrace the uncertain, let loose and live one day at a time.

XO,

Pearl

I’ve been reading through “Steal Like an Artist” (Austin Kleon) this February, and came across an enlightening tip for creatives. Here’s an excerpt that inspired me to get up and go.

RULE # 8 : GEOGRAPHY IS NO LONGER OUR MASTER

LEAVE HOME.

“At some point when you can do it, you have too leave home… Your brain gets too comfortable in your everyday surroundings.”

“You need to make it uncomfortable. You need to spend time in another land, among people that do things different than you.Travel makes the world look new, and when the world look new, our brains work harder.”

“It helps to live around interesting people, and not necessarily people who do what you do. You have to find a place that feeds you – creatively, socially, spiritually and literally.”

“Distance and difference are the secret tonic of creativity. When we get home, home is still the same. But something in our mind has been changed, and that changes everything.” -Jonah Lehrer

Last week has been full of doodling fun and excitement as I collaborated with Sharpie Philippines at the Manila International Book fair! The hustle and bustle of both booth organizers and customers surely brought lots of (book-shopping) energy into the SMX hall.

I, myself couldn’t resist and bought a couple of books to read before bedtime! Who could resist the beckoning of a big, fat, “20% OFF” sign? Me. Apparently.

I wasn’t able to go around much as I was at the Sharpie Booth most of the time, but I would like to thank every one who dropped by the booth through this post.

“PASSIONATELY CURIOUS” I found this phrase very comforting and appropriate for dreamers such as myself. 🙂 It’s a beautiful two-word quote isn’t it?

It was such a fun five-day long event, doodling on the Sharpie wall. (Four blank walls to fill with doodles) But the best part was that I have met so many new people and I am enormously thankful to some of my Instagram followers who came by to say hello!

My back may have been turned and my focus was on the wall, but I do listen to the passers-by and am deeply grateful for the encouraging words I hear. Your constructive remarks as well as your expressions of awe are enough to give me the fuel to keep drawing.

A lot of people took photos on the wall and it fills my heart with joy that people believe it’s an awesome backdrop! It’s more than a pleasure for me to take photos for them with my artwork. Though, I must apologize if I seem surprised when you ask to take photos WITH me! I’m a very shy person by nature. But it does warm my heart when I see your happy smiles. To those I gave free postcards to, I pray that those quotes would be a part of your life and encourage you to keep pursuing your passion. 🙂

For me, the experience has been more than just a blank white wall as I realized it is a place where I met friends, both old and new. It has been a sum of my experiences in my lettering journey, but also the beginning of something new.

For all of us, life is like a blank canvas. I know that it is scary to fill it up for the fear of making a mistake and ruining the blank slate. But don’t ever be afraid of making mistakes, it is God’s way of helping us learn to do better next time. The number of times you stumble do not define your incapabilities, but rather, let the number of times you rise up again, define your unwavering strength.

Remember, there is no mistake that God cannot turn into a masterpiece.

May the Sharpie wall be more than just an exhibition of talent and skill, but a reminder that life is constantly a blank, white wall. Fill it with the things you love, write down your dreams, map out how you’ll achieve them, draw your best experiences, express yourself boldly and creatively.

Last summer, I went on a journey to explore the beautiful country of Greece. Little did I know that I would be overwhelmed with how seamlessly ancient ruins could weave itself beautifully into the fabric of modern Greek society.

The majestic temple of Zeus standing tall and proud in the heart of Athens. Just look at how those columns have stood the test of time. Imagine how every piece have been put together by the ancient Greeks. It never ceases to amaze me.

At Syntagma Square with these hungry pigeons.This first stop was followed by a magnificent trip to learn the history of the Acropolis Stadium. This was just my first glimpse of Greece.

We were walking around the city of Athens during the first day and I couldn’t help asking: “What’s that structure on top of the hill?” My question was answered the next day when we climbed up to see that what is there is so much more than what I had expected.

Seen from the city is Acropolis, the highest point of Athens. Beautiful isn’t it?

Sometimes in life, you can’t see the breathtaking view until you muster the courage to climb the mountain.

During our day-trip, we ventured on a boat ride to see the different islands surrounding Greece. One of them is this quaint island called Hydra. This little island is a town in itself, with little shops and cafes near the water. What’s fascinating is that the townspeople here have donkeys to get around, nope, no cars!

This breathtaking view where the sky meets the beautiful Greek dome-shaped architecture was taken from the island of Santorini. We stayed here a couple of days, and if I could, I would’ve stayed much longer. There were numerous mini-shops greeting passersby along the alley, from nifty book nooks to one-of-a-kind trinket stores.

The town of Nafplio. Bustling with life through it’s diversity in art, music and delicacies.

I love the bliss whenever I draw my adventures on my journal. It helps me remember not only the place, but also the little memories that come with my travels. When I look back, it’s the little moments that touch my heart to this day. Such as the time my mom and I shared a large Greek pretzel-like dessert, the ice cream cone I had in Athens despite the biting cold winds or the fact that not a day goes by without a serving of delicious Greek yogurt (yummy!), and the time when I looked down from the highest peak of Greece and thought to myself:

“All these man-made bricks, statues and temples are truly majestic, but nothing compares to the beauty of nature that my God has surrounded it all with”.

I am often asked how I find time to draw during these trips. Despite the hustle and bustle during the morning tours, I try to find time to relax in a cafe as a short pit-stop to write down the events that happened during the day. Always remember to write down the important details, you can sketch them later in the evening (if you aren’t too tired!)

The Greeks have a habit of drinking Frappe every now and then. I find that I also belong to this place where it is bursting with art, history, culture…and yes, coffee!

The mystical trail of Delphi, after a hike atop the mountains of Greece.

The Dyonisus Theater. It’s size and design is jaw-droppingly (if that is even a word) – incredible! It may be huge, but dropping a coin or stomping your feet at the center circle of the theater can be heard throughout the entire stadium.

For those who are wondering, what is Greek food like? Three words. Fresh, Simple, Flavorful. This is my favorite, which I have learned to make at home. The Traditional Greek Salad. (Bell Peppers, Onions, Lettuce, Olives, EVOO, Tomatoes and Cucumbers, Generously topped with Feta Cheese!)

Aside from the Greek Salad, I have enjoyed the Greek Yogurt, to which none can compare. Not a day passed in Greece without us having a portion of this!

Travelling is a perfect opportunity to experience something new. I give myself time to think when I travel, knowing that the adventure that lies ahead is so much greater than what I have left behind. It’s such a memorable experience when you put your thoughts and emotions down on paper, because every step of the journey is an adventure.

I’m opening classes once more for a basic lettering workshop, and since vacation is just around the corner, I thought a travel journal would be perfect! If you’d like to learn the art of handlettering and how to start your own travel journal, you can

I’ve been having a lot of inquiries regarding the materials I use for my art and lettering. This has inspired me to create a blog post for the materials I’ve tried throughout my journey. These pens, inks and watercolors are truly portable little rainbows that have brought much color into my life!

PENS

FILED NEOFINE FINELINER

Review:

The Filed NeoFine Fineliner Set is truly a box of rainbows. Here is an artwork I made with the fineliners. The tip of these pens (0.40mm) enabled smooth writing and doodling. However because these pens are water based, make sure you don’t keep coloring / shading on the same areas as the ink will seep through the back of the paper (I used 80gsm paper). Using thicker surfaces such as vellum and 100+gsm might work better with this water-based pen. Overall, it’s perfect for note-taking in class. I’m sure I’d write with this in school to keep my notes fun and colorful!

BRUSH PENS

TOKYO FINDS BRUSH PEN

Review:

These bright-colored pens are dual-tipped. It’s versatility makes it the perfect go-to for calligraphy and lettering.The two tips give an advantage for shading in large areas (brush tip) and for creating details too (slim tip). The ink is bright and not too thick that it would seep through the paper.

MARVY LE PLUME BRUSH PEN

Review:

The Le Plume brush pen possesses a lighter hue compared to others. The ink is pretty thick and more water-based than most, it will seep through thin paper. Though I love the way it slides through the paper smoothly, and how closely it resembles the feel of using an actual brush.

MARKERS

SHARPIE FINE POINT

Review:

One of my favorite brands! The all-around marker! These markers provide bold and bright colors, perfect for the creative at heart. Best to use thicker boards or paper, and all other non-porous surfaces when using Sharpie.

DONG-A PLAYON

Review:

Although not the typical artist go-to, I love the black (twin tip) marker of Dong-A. I used this one for outlining and for shading, more often than not for my watercolor illustrations and lettering works.

ZEBRA MILDLINER

Review:

This one is meant to be a highlighter, but I always find a different purpose for my coloring materials. I bought mine from Japan.

WATERCOLORS

KOI WATERCOLOR

Review:

I love, love, love my koi watecolor set. Although it’s a bit more costly, it’s a purchase I didn’t regret. The colors are bold and bright, just the way I like my palette. The watercolors are concentrated as well, use sparingly for softer tones.

KURETAKE GANSAI TAMBI

Review:

I knew I should’ve bought myself a set of these during my trip to Japan last year! Luckily my boyfriend got this for me as a birthday surprise. The palette is very concentrated, meaning you can use just a little and have a solid texture.

PRANG WATERCOLOR

Review:

The most affordable and has found it’s way to be called the “sweet” watercolor. Why sweet? It’s thick consistency makes the colors bold and bright. The watercolor has a syrupy thickness when added with a little water. Most people say that ants keep finding their way to their Prang palettes. Despite all that, yes, it’s also an artist’s must-have.

Shop: National Bookstore

FOUNTAIN PENS

LAMY

(Pictured on the background)

Review:

My first ever fountain pen. Also a gift from my boyfriend when he came back from Germany almost a year ago. I love that they have branches here in the Philippines so you could simply buy the refills (it comes in lots of different colors too! Next time I’ll try the neon yellow!).

PILOT PETIT

Review:

Very handy and writes smoothly. The tip is smaller than the usual fountain pen, but it’s the perfect travel fountain pen. I got mine from Japan and took home a couple of refills too, just in case I don’t get to visit Japan anytime soon!

For a complete list of tech-pens that I use, you can visit my other blog post about them here:

To those who are waiting for “the knight in shining armor” / “Mr. Right” / “THE One”… I understand all that you’ve been through, for I have once been there too. I know how it feels like to sit quietly in the corner, waiting for him to notice you. It’s also familiar to me, the feeling of butterflies in the stomach, that topsy-turvy, roller-coaster feeling that gets you giddy all over. That nervousness and loss of words when he finally talks to you. Oh my, that high school romance. From the first crush, to the first love, to the first heartbreak, I know the thrill, the joy and the pain of it all.

This is an open letter, from the man will love you unconditionally. No, this kind of love is beautiful, and does NOT exist only in paperback books, novels and movies. Just wait, you will see.

Hello beautiful,

You look so peaceful in your sleep tonight, I am tempted to wake you up just to say how much I love you. That’s why I’m writing this letter to you instead, so you could read it in the morning; hoping it would be enough to let you know how truly blessed I am that the first blessing I see when I wake up is you.

We’ve been married for three years now, has time really gone by that quickly? It seems like just yesterday when we said “I Do”.

Yesterday, I woke up and saw you with your messy hair spread on the pillows. I smiled at the way the sides of your lips twitch adorably as you sleep. As the sunlight hits your beautiful face, I notice the faint signs of wrinkling around your eyes, it saddens me to think how we can never be the same age twice. I brush your cheek lightly and smile, because I know that no matter how you look many years from now, you will always have those eyes full of life and laughter; and that heart overflowing with kindness. We may never be the same age twice, but I choose to grow every second older with no one else but you. My beautiful wife, I want to let you know, that from the moment I wake up until I lay down to sleep, my heart is full of nothing more but love for you.

I think back to the time we were at the park several years ago. I consider that summer to be the very definition of perfect. You were in a simple blue sundress with your hair tied up in a ponytail. You looked absolutely beautiful ─ as you still are today, if not even more so. I was watching you happily savouring the vanilla ice cream cone I bought you; like it was the best thing in the world. I guess that’s one of the many qualities I adore about you ─ you love the simple things.

As we were slowly approaching the end of the park, I grew quiet as I realized our day together would soon come to an end. I knew it would take days before I could be with you again. I looked at you as you were talking about your dream to open a café someday. You were narrating with such eagerness and passion, it surprises me how you could visualize it with such detail. You went on animatedly: “The café will be a little rustic with wooden interiors and a slightly industrial look. Oh, of course an herb garden out front for you to grow too!”

My heart did a little summersault. You knew I loved to garden and hope to start my own farm someday, I was happy that you did not forget. But I was happier when you mentioned it was not just your café, but ours. I was part of your dream. The same way I dream of spending my future with you.

I imagined life without hearing the sound of your voice, without knowing how you are or without holding you in my arms. That day I knew I couldn’t see my tomorrows without you in it, the beautiful, simple girl I fell deeply, unconditionally in love with. My love, aside from our wedding, that day in the park would be the second best day of my life because that was when I asked you to be my Forever.

I’m whisked back from my reverie and I’m watching the gentle rise and fall of your chest as you sleep. Within it is your heart; faithful, gentle, fragile and ageless. Darling, I know I have wronged you countless times. I have promised to keep you happy for the rest of our lives, to take care of your precious heart; yet here I am being the source of your pain, too. I am asking for your forgiveness for the times I overlook the little sacrifices you make, the moments I have neglected spending time with you and the ways I have hurt you without realizing until it’s too late.

When we fight, I know that you cry secretly at night with your tears soaking the pillow. It is during these times when I ache within, wanting to reach out, to hold you, to let you know you are not alone. I am in bed right next to you, yet I never do, thinking you might “need some time alone”. I realize just now that you’ve spent enough years on your own, it is selfish of me to put you back into that place. I am here with you now, through the joy and the pain, there is no need to leave you alone to suffer the way you did. I want to say I’m truly sorry, for all that and more, and I am thankful, that your heart never ceased loving me through it all.

I look down and gently touch your hand. I see the trail of white patches on your fingertips, it has spread a little bit more now, like it does every passing day. You call this a disease and a cause of your physical insecurities. You even had it checked by the doctor to find ways to stop the spreading, but to no avail. My love, stop looking for ways to conform to the world’s standards of beauty. Each day I would kiss your fingers, look you in the eye and tell you that you are the most beautiful woman in the world. Your “imperfections” are beautiful. I is a part of you, it makes you unique, it’s an abstract artwork that only those who understand you would know how to love and appreciate.

I want you to know that I love everything about you. I love how expressive your eyes are, when you’re sad or when you’re happy. I love how your nose would twitch when you smell food. I love how perfectly your hand fits into mine. And I love how the patches on your skin make you uniquely, insanely and perfectly beautiful.

I wonder if you’ve ever felt this overflow of emotions. The mixture of joy, wistfulness, pain and love all at the same time. Right now there is nothing more in the world I want to do than to make you happy. I want to be the reason for the smile on your face, I want to be there for you in your achievements, I want my arms to be your “home” and I want to hold your hand as we go through life together.

Do you remember when we were younger how we looked for love? We believed that the sooner we ease the loneliness, the happier we will be. We were so young and naïve, always wanting, always looking, but never really finding. It took us the worst heartache before we finally learned the hardest lesson of all ─ waiting. We’ve been friends for a long time, but it took three long years before our paths crossed again. It is as they say: Love comes not when you are lonely, but when you are ready. Right now seeing you next to me and having you as a part of my life, I can proudly say you are worth every second of the wait.

I confess I may not be the perfect husband at times but one thing I promise you is that I will love you with every fibre of my being. I can never thank the Lord enough for entrusting you to me. You are my every hope, my dream and my answered prayer.

I know life isn’t meant to be perfect, not even our lives as a married couple. But one thing I know for sure, is that God gave you to me, to care for you every minute of the day, to love you despite all your moodiness, to give way in arguments, to be patient during misunderstandings and to support you in your dreams.

You might ask why I wrote a letter to you out of the blue. There is no need for an occasion to say “Thank you” for being a part of my life. I love you so much more than this letter could ever express.

You are everything I have asked God for and more. I am truly blessed beyond measure.

Loving you more each day,

Your husband.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

New International Version (NIV)

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

I was tagged in a post recently to share some things about myself with the topic “20 Things You Might Not Know About Me”. Aside from SnapperDoodles, I’m just a regular person going through life – one step at a time. But brace yourself for some of the most random things on this post! 😛

Hope these fun facts would help you get to know me a little better!

Here goes!

Question 1: How tall are you?

Hmm… I’m 5’2! I’m usually one the first few in front when we are asked to line up by height. I get teased a lot because of it but it has it’s advantages too! Right, fellow petites? No need to duck when going through low ceilings and oftentimes people think you look younger than your age! -Yes! Find the blessing in everything! 🙂

Question 2: What is the first thing you notice about people?

I’m not sure if it’s odd, but I’m more fond of people who know how to smile. When I walk into a room, I smile, and the first people I notice are the ones who smile back. It’s a big thing for me.

Question 3: What’s your motto in life?

Everything happens for a reason.

Instead of complaining about present circumstances, this quote helps me stay optimistic no matter how gray the skies may be.

Question 4: What upcoming events are you looking forward to?

I was invited to Filstar’s Mom and Me Craft Event in Market, Market Manila this coming May 24, 2015. In this digital age, I’m still in awe of how far Arts and Crafts has come back to show us the beauty of everything handmade with love!

I’m also pysched for the upcoming Global Pinoy Bazaar this August which might be my final bazaar in Rockwell! I’m getting lots of new products ready for everyone especially lettering and typography enthusiasts. All of my designs are hand-drawn and produced into different products such as QuoteBags, Magnets, Notebooks and more! Can’t wait for the big day!

Question 5: What’s your favorite song?

I’ve been going through a lot recently, and the song that keeps playing in my head is “Christ is Enough”. This song has helped me through the best and the worst in life, reminding me every time that when I have the Lord, I will never be in lack.

CHRIST IS ENOUGH (Hillsongs)

Christ my all in all
The joy of my salvation
And this hope will never fail
Heaven is our home

Through every storm
My soul will sing
Jesus is here
To God be the glory

I have decided to follow Jesus
No turning back
No turning back

The cross before me
The world behind me
No turning back
No turning back

Christ is enough for me
Christ is enough for meEverything I need is in You
Everything I need

Question 6: What did you want to be when you were small?

Hahaha! This made me recall some funny childhood memories!

When I was in 3rd grade, I was a blossoming little entrepreneur selling Pokemon stickers to my classmates. Ever since I was a kid I knew that the office was not my place, and I found joy in selling random things from mints, to stickers and even my artworks.

My ambition shifted later on during fifth grade. I watched a UFO Documentary on Discovery Channel which began my desire to become a UFO Researcher someday! (Well, that was way, way back in elementary!)

The perfect me-time would be spending a rainy afternoon in a dimly-lit cafe, sitting next to a window and thinking about anything under the sun while I draw on my notebook…and of course while drinking a cup of steaming hot coffee!

Question 8: What’s your favorite junk food?

I was raised in a family of healthy-eaters, junk food, namely, chips and softdrinks have never been a household staple. But if there would be one thing that I could never say no to? Vanilla Ice Cream. Plain. Simple. Sinfully delicious.

Question 9: Do you have a pet or pets? If so, what kind and what are their names?

I’m a dog-lover! I have two poodle babies at home named Tuffy and Patchi.

For me, doggy kisses and furry cuddles are some of the best things in the world!

Question 10: What are the things you never leave home without?

Aside from the essentials, I always make sure to bring my earphones! The funny thing is, on rare occasions I forget my comb and handkerchief but I never, ever leave home without my pen and my handy-dandy notebook!

…because who knows when inspiration will strike? 🙂

Question 11: What’s your favorite beauty product?

I’m not so fond of make-up, but on days when I have to look my best (for workshops, meetings, special events…and dates!) I use BB Cream, Concealer, Eyeliner and a little blush! Maybe I’m just lazy, but simple is good enough for me. 🙂

Question 12: What is/art your favorite novel/s?

Hmmm. Being a bookworm, I’ve read a handful of books in the past. But here is a list of my top 5 favorite reads!

1. P.S I Love You (Cecelia Ahern)

2. The Shack (WM Paul Young)

3. Have a Little Faith (Mitch Albom)

4. Everlost Series (Neal Shusterman)

5. A Walk to Remember (Nicholas Sparks)

Question 13: Name some of the things on your bucket list this 2015.

Wow, I have a lot on my bucket list this year!

1. To try all of the Cafe’s in Manila! Coffee Shops are the ultimate artist’s chill corner.

2. To keep pursuing SnapperDoodles and expand the line of products I have 🙂

3. To never stop learning something new!

Question 14: What’s your favorite movie?

I don’t have a favorite movie! But there are some that I could never forget (because they are some of the few movies that brought me to tears!) I love The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, because these have made me believe that someday I will love someone, and be loved just the same. Being a dog-lover, another movie that I could watch all over again is Hachiko. Wasn’t Hachi the sweetest little thing? Lastly, The Miracle in Cell No. 7. I thank God for this movie, through this I have witnessed a concrete example of Jesus’ love and death for us.

Question 15: What were you in high school: prom queen, nerd, cheerleader, jock, valedictorian, band geek, loner, artist, prep?

Back in high school, I’d say I’m the artist. I used to be insecure about not having a permanent group of friends, but looking back, I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂

Question 16: If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?

I’ve been to some countries and I find it so hard to choose. Every country I have set foot on has it’s own beauty and appeal. However, since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to live in Europe. I know the cost of living is steep and it’s hard to get around, but the place is the best of both worlds for me: Europe is rich with art, culture and nature. It has everything I need to thrive and to grow both as an independent person and as an artist.

I was exhausted after the 21-hour travel back to Manila. When I stepped into my room I noticed an enormous, pink, stuffed teddy bear on my bed with a bouquet of roses. He left it there for me to surprise me when I got home.

I was physically drained, but I smiled from ear to ear and my heart did a happy dance!

Question 19: Do you have a phobia?

Acrophobia- The fear of heights.

Katsaridaphobia- The fear of cockroaches. 😦

Question 20: Name a few weird things about yourself.

I know a lot of weird things about myself, but here are a few:

1. I play Counter Strike! I know it’s a boy thing, but hey, it’s fun!

2. I’m a workaholic to the point that I feel bad when I don’t do anything productive for the day.

3. I’m not English but I love tea. I often drink tea after every meal.

4. I don’t like cinnamon..but I have exceptions. Cinammon Rolls from Cinnabon. Weird right?

5. I get thirsty a lot.I can drink 2-3 Liters of water a day, much more when I have a game of badminton!

6. I am a wallflower.

I hope you enjoyed reading these random facts about me! Haha I just thought it would be great to share that there is more to SnapperDoodles than just lettering and art. 🙂

Feel free to share 20 things about yourself and tag me so I could get to know you too!

I’m utterly and indescribably thankful for how far the Lord has brought SnapperDoodles in a span of one year. When I left corporate, I never would have thought that passion, when pursued could open so many doors and unexplored possibilities.

On April 19, 2015 (Sunday), the article about how SnapperDoodles began was out on the newspaper! I recalled the events leading to this opportunity and I can only say one thing: “God is Good!”

Passion & Profession

Pearlyn Choco, creator of SnapperDoodles Design and owner of Tiny Treasures PH, documents her thoughts and musings through typography and doodling.

MANILA, Philippines – It has been said that when you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life.

This rings true with 22-year-old Pearlyn Choco, the lady behind the well-loved Instagram account @snapperdoodles where she documents her thoughts and musings through typography and doodling. This journey later on became her ticket to going full-time as an artist.

Pearl, who is also the creator of Snapperdoodles Design and owner of Tiny Treasures PH, found her passion in lettering, art and design. With her unique works posted on Instagram, she generated more than 14,000 followers in just 10 months. Pearl now continues to showcase her distinctive artistry online and social media platforms.

A petite lady with a contagious sweet smile, Pearl carries a reserved and innocent vibe. But the moment she opens herself up, one will see a strong and motivated person ready to tackle life’s challenges.

Pearl grew up in an environment where financial stability and security are viewed with high regard. So in college, she took up Management of Financial Institutions at De La Salle University. Even before she graduated, Pearl found a job at a multi-national company where she worked hard sticking to the “corporate routine.” A couple of months later, she left for another banking career but again, the 9 to 5 job didn’t allow her to have creative freedom. This fueled her desire to explore the field of arts more. So she mustered all her courage and decided to exchange the security of a stable employment for a chance to start fresh and become a freelance artist. “I took the matter to prayer and fasting because I was so desperate to find my purpose in life,” says Pearl.

SnapperDoodles, which Pearl personally defines as her life in snaps (photography) and doodles (typography), became her way of giving glory to God through the talent and skill He has given her.

In just a few months, Pearl was able to launch her own product lines, participate in bazaars and conduct basic typography workshops. Through her art, Pearl has inspired a handful of individuals to explore their own artistic sides while working on wonderful collaborative works with people whom she shares the same passion with. “If you think you can’t do something, you really wouldn’t be able to accomplish it. I was like that before but I learned to choose to think otherwise,” she explains.

Pearl finds beauty in simplicity, which is evident in her art. Lines, curves and a bit of color here and there reflects her simple personality. Like her art, Pearl believes that every girl is beautiful the way she is. “Nobody is perfect, and that’s one thing to accept,” she assures.

For Pearl, a confident woman is a beautiful woman but a little help from one’s trusted makeup brand doesn’t hurt. She uses Careline products to prep up and complete her look.

Starting with the face, Pearl uses Careline BB Cream as a base to hide imperfections and keeps skin fresh-looking. This BB Cream has three shades — Natural, Fresh and Nude — that perfectly matches the Filipina skin tone.

Pearl emphasizes her beautiful eyes using the Careline Color Pencil. Formulated to glide on smoothly, it can be smudged for a soft smoky effect or to create bold lines that will make the eyes pop.

Finally, Pearl opts for a soft natural flush using the Careline Oil Control Blush-on. It comes in 10 shades that will match her day-to-day activities.

As someone whose confidence shines through her simple, unique personality, Pearl is a good role model to teens who are finding their own place in the world. Through her experience, Pearl leaves a strong message to teens, “Do not live for other people’s approval or conform to someone else’s standards. Instead of hiding behind insecurities, find what you are best at and shine,” she says.

Looking back, Pearl is thankful for being part of the corporate world where she learned many things, acknowledging that it was a stepping stone to her higher purpose in life. “By the grace of God SnapperDoodles came to be and thank God my mission on earth has begun,” Pearl concludes.

Here are some behind the scenes photos of the shoot with Ever Bilena for The Philippine Star’s Allure.

It has been such a memorable experience, being interviewed by a fellow Christian too! It made us both so happy to see how God works amazingly in people’s lives. Getting all dressed up is definitely something new to me as well because I don’t normally wear anything as fancy as these!